Honoring Freedom and Legacy: Juneteenth and Black Music Month at CALS

June offers an opportunity to reflect on two important celebrations: Juneteenth and Black Music Month.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, it stands as a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and opportunity.

June is also Black Music Month, a time to recognize the tremendous influence Black musicians have had on American culture and music around the world. From jazz and blues to gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and beyond, Black artists have shaped the soundtrack of generations while using music to tell stories, inspire change, and build community.

At CALS, we believe libraries are places where history, culture, and lifelong learning come together. Throughout the month, we encourage our community to explore books, biographies, documentaries, and digital resources that highlight Black history and the contributions of Black artists, leaders, and innovators. While our library locations will be closed in observance of Juneteenth, CALS remains committed to celebrating alongside the community. Be sure to visit the CALS Cruiser at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center’s Annual Juneteenth Festival (opens in new window), where we are proud to be a sponsor. Throughout the month, we’re also offering engaging programs for children, teens, and adults that honor Black history, culture, and creativity.

Whether you’re learning about the significance of Juneteenth, discovering a new musician through a biography, or revisiting a favorite artist’s story, we invite you to celebrate, reflect, and continue learning with us. For more Juneteenth and Black Music Month events, please visit the link below.

 Juneteenth Events